Cauchi buoyed by love of greyhounds

By Pat McLeod

Paul Cauchi’s kennel will have 10 representatives on Sunday’s Capalaba program, but the greyhound legend will be watching on from his Tugun home.

The 89-year-old is battling prostate cancer and says, for now, trips to the track are not on the agenda.

“Originally (when he was first diagnosed four months ago) I was very tired,” Cauchi explains.

“The treatment since has shrunk the tumour to almost nothing. While that is a plus, I have had some side effects, such as a swollen leg.

“I have no pain, but just can’t do as much as I used to. I am still Ok to work with the dogs each day.

“I am like an old tree that started to die and was on the ground, but then started to grow some green shoots again.

“The doctors have said it is a case of managing the cancer and they say I still have plenty of years left.”

Cauchi is a genuine icon of the sport.

Born in Malta, he migrated to Australia in 1953 and became involved in greyhound racing in Sydney in 1957.

He blossomed into one of Australia’s all-time great trainers, his accolades including being inducted into the Australian Greyhound Racing Hall Of Fame.

The veteran conditioner says he still ‘loves’ being involved in the sport, but doesn’t have any big race goals remaining.

“I have been lucky enough to have won so many big races,” Cauchi says.

“There really aren’t any now that I dream of winning. These days I still get joy from winning any race, or just one of our dogs running a good race. I am happy when they all come home safely.

“I also really enjoy helping out other trainers, always have. Back when I was learning, so many trainers refused to share their knowledge, which was a real shame. I still get calls from some of the top trainers, asking advice.

“And, I enjoy spending time with the young ones. We really do need to make sure our younger trainers not only come into the industry, but stay in the industry.

“It can be a hard life, with plenty of ups and downs, so it is important that we show them it can also be a great life.”

Cauchi may be watching on TV on Sunday, but his family will be there in force.

His wife Jeanette and sons Peter and Charles are all licensed trainers and all have runners at Capalaba on Sunday.

He said the best hopes were Hocking in race five and Aussie Zip in race seven.

“Hocking came back last Sunday after being out for a little while with an injury,” he said.

“He will be better for that run, so I am hopeful. Aussie Zip is in quite good form at the moment. He won last week, his fourth win in his last six starts. Let’s hope that form continues on Sunday.”

Cauchi is also excited by a couple of litters of pups coming through, especially four Tommy Shelby and Regal Emerald youngsters.

“They are 14 months old and look great,” he said.

“I love having pups around and bringing them through and seeing them grow and develop. I also really enjoy the feedback I get from people who have adopted our retired race dogs.

“I get so many really nice messages from people who love these dogs so much. There is a lot to love about this industry.”

Cauchi remembers coming to the opening race night at the Gabba in 1972. He won the main feature with his kennel star Ragsie.

For that trip north, he stayed with Sam Zammit, the father of now successful greyhound industry figures Tony, George and Michael.

The connection back then between Cauchi and Zammit was not greyhound racing, but the fact that they had gone to school together in Malta.

Cauchi has seen greyhound racing in South East Queensland transition from the Gabba to Albion Park and Ipswich and now to The Q.

While amazed at the changes, Cauchi has some sage advice for all sectors of the industry.

“Always be open to advice, especially from people who have experienced so much in the sport and are successful,” he says.

“I am not talking about just training advice, I am talking about all aspects of greyhound racing.

“Look around you, there are good people with so much knowledge to offer. Be prepared to listen.”